Category Archive: J-Pop Interviews

Japanese house music pioneer Soichi Terada (also known as Omodaka) is featured on toco toco’s new episode on YouTube. Known for his chiptune music and various video game soundtracks (“Ape Escape”), the multi-talented producer/composer toured the U.S. in 2009 and 2010 as part of the Japan Nite ensemble.

Sasara Sekine (Houkago Princess) Interview by Dru Bastedo September 18, 2017 The idea of a “princess” is a familiar one across the world, and idol group Houkago Princess is making a splash in the industry by wearing it like a badge of honor. NekoPop spoke with member Sasara Sekine about English, Disney, and how the …

Konomi Suzuki Interview by David Cirone June 12, 2017 A short conversation with anisong singer Konomi Suzuki (No-Game, No-Life, Re:Zero, Fairy Tail, Akashic Records of Bastard Magical Instructor, Dusk Maiden of Amnesia) before her upcoming performance at Anisong World Matsuri at Anime Expo 2017. Since your debut with “Choir Jail”, you’ve been able to display …

BRATS Interview by David Cirone April 19, 2017 “BRATS” is sort of an aggressive word in English — it means kids who don’t listen to grown-ups, who want to do everything their way. Does that description match your personalities? Hinako: It doesn’t match. I don’t think so. Aya: Same here, doesn’t match. I’m a very …

On May 31, 2016, I was on set of the “Two As One” music video shoot for J-pop group Da-iCE on top of Hollywood Bowl Overlook. It felt more like watching a J-drama filming in Los Angeles though. There was no singing or dancing, or even music. Only acting. Two vocalists (Sota Hanamura and Yudai …

Perfume Interview by Nhu Nguyen July 17, 2016 When the word ‘perfume’ comes up, the first thought many people may have is of their favorite fragrance or the song by Britney Spears. But for J-Pop fans, Perfume is the name of one of the hottest pop acts in Japan. The group has released five albums, …

Charisma.com Interview by David Cirone April 11, 2016 If Charisma.com’s mission is to create cool things, what’s cool about your new album Aidoro C? MC ITSUKA: I think setting a theme of self-love is super cool. It’s cool that there are no songs which are about someone else. DJ GONCHI: The mixture of the coolness …

FAKY has electrified global audiences with their fierce, unapologetic blend of Asian and Western pop. Their 2014 single “Better Without You” landed at No. 3 on Billboard’s Breakout for Hot Dance Club Play chart, and also ranked at No.49 on the Dance Club Play chart. The four-member J-Pop unit based in Tokyo is back with …

PROMIC TV’s Joann Interview by David Cirone October 6, 2015 For over two years, PROMIC TV’s YouTube channel has brought the world news and interviews from the richly fantastic world of Japanese music. On the eve of this year’s Tokyo International Music Market (TIMM), I got a chance to know the channel’s energetic host Joann …

Ossan Interview by Nhu Nguyen July 21, 2015 On day three of Anime Expo, I went to meet Ossan, a popular Japanese mascot from Hyogo prefecture who was making his American debut at the expo. Other than our first exchange of “Hello”, the second thing he said to me was, “I’m going to ink you.” …